Program gives BLHS students option to earn college credits

With the recent addition of several math classes, Basehor-Linwood High School students now have the option of knocking out a year of college without ever stepping foot on campus.

"A student can earn a year of college credit just while they're in high school," BLHS principal Steve Blankenship told members of the Basehor-Linwood School District Monday night.

Assistant superintendent Bill Hatfield said the school district was recently informed that courses such as second-year chemistry, trigonometry, pre-calculus and calculus courses have been certified by Donnelly College as eligible for college credit through the school's dual enrollment program.

Students in these classes now have the option of enrolling with Donnelly at a reduced tuition rate of $58 per credit hour and receive college credit for their work. The credits are transferable to most four-year schools in Kansas, school officials said.

Hatfield said the high school may expand its dual credit program in the future with courses in areas such as government, English and fine arts.

Currently, approximately 80 students at the high school are enrolled in dual credit courses.

In other action, the School Board:

Selected Dayna Miller as Interest Base Bargaining board alternate.

Approved, 6-0, a staff development plan.

Scheduled an Oct. 11 work session to discuss facilities. The work session will run between 5 and 7 p.m.

Approved, 6-0, a 2003-04 audit report. Senior bookkeeper Pam Chenoweth told board members the school district "had a very clean audit."

Approved, 6-0, the renewal of Clubine and Rettele as the school district's audit firm.

Approved, 6-0, resignations.

Approved, 6-0, contracts and letters of employment.

Heard a report from school district superintendent Jill Hackett. During her report, Hackett said she is encouraged by the Bobcats' 2-0 start on the football field this season. "It's pretty exciting to see all our parents and students at the football games," Hackett said. "It's a renewed enthusiasm."

Heard a report from school district director of building operations Don Swartz during which Swartz said road improvements to 158th Street should be completed by Nov. 1. "The official date is Nov. 1, but if the weather continues to cooperate it could be ready to go in two weeks," he said.